Sotheby’s hosted an exhibition in Abu Dhabi (9–10 April 2025) featuring a remarkable selection of colored diamonds, including one of the most significant blue diamonds to appear in recent years. This was the first public exhibition Sotheby’s has held in Abu Dhabi since 2009.
The exhibition was held at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Saadiyat Island—a notable architectural space and non-profit cultural institution. On display were some of the world’s most striking fancy color diamonds.
The centerpiece of the exhibition was “The Mediterranean Blue,” a 10.03-carat Fancy Vivid Blue. Exceptionally rare, the blue is being shown ahead of its upcoming appearance at Sotheby’s High Jewellery auction in Geneva on May 13th, where it will be offered for sale for the first time.
Pictured from left to right: The Golden Canary, 303.10 carat. The Mediterranean Blue, 10.03 carat. The Dessert Rose, 31.68 carat.
The Mediterranean Blue, 10.03 carat
The cushion modified brilliant-cut Fancy Vivid Blue diamond weighing 10.03 carats, is accompanied by GIA report no. 2233436003, dated 20 November 2024, stating that the diamond is Fancy Vivid Blue, Natural Colour, VS2 Clarity, together with a type IIb classification letter; further accompanied by GIA report no. 6237331096, dated 2 July 2024, pertaining to the 31.93 carat rough diamond from which the Mediterranean Blue originates and a GIA monograph detailing the sources, chemistry and grading of blue diamonds and describing the Mediterranean Blue as “a remarkable example of one of the rarest colour sensations observed in a diamond.”
‘Diamonds inspire love and curiosity for the gifts of the natural world. Like a treasure unearthed from the sea, the Mediterranean Blue captures and preserves the color of the most beautiful, pristine water in the form of a diamond. One must take a moment to admire this stunning 10.03 ct Fancy Vivid blue diamond – a complete indulgence of the senses. Those privileged enough to see it—discerning collectors, connoisseurs, and aficionados – reserve one word to describe the masterpiece they see before them: breathtaking.’
Excerpt from the GIA MonographTap here to read much more about this important vivid blue diamond!
An Important Fancy Red Diamond
5.05 carat
An incredibly rare Fancy Red Diamond
The square emerald-cut Fancy Brown-Red diamond weighing 5.05 carats. Accompanied by GIA report no. 1102590297 dated February 6, 2024 stating that the diamond is Fancy Brown-Red, Natural color, SI1 clarity.
Accompanied by a GIA monograph.
RGNR – A Note on Color.
To state that the color is Brown-Red indicates that the graders believe the diamond displays an equal amount of brown as red in the face up position. If they felt it had less brown, the grade would have been Brownish-Red. – gr
The Desert Rose, 31.68 carat
31.68 carat
The pear-shaped Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink diamond weighs 31.68 carats, and is accompanied by GIA report no. 5201296192 dated January 10, 2022 stating that the diamond is Fancy Vivid Orangy Pink, Natural color, VVS1 clarity.
The 303-carat Golden Canary!
303.10 carat
The Golden Canary is a pear-shaped Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow diamond weighing 303.10 carats, worn as a necklace.
This large Fancy Yellow pear shape diamond is accompanied by GIA report no. 2173621573 dated November 24, 2021 stating that the diamond is Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow color, Internally Flawless clarity.
The Largest so far!
The diamond also comes with a letter from the GIA dated September 28, 2022 stating that the diamond is the largest Flawless or Internally Flawless, and largest pear-shaped diamond graded by the laboratory to date, as well as a GIA Monograph attesting to the rarity and importance of the stone.
Published
Also included with the sale, a copy of the Smithsonian magazine from May 1988, featuring an article on the diamond.
A 40-carat Radiant-Cut Fancy Light Pink Diamond
40.29 carat
This large cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant-cut Fancy Light Pink diamond weighs 40.29 carats, and is flanked by a pair of trapeze-cut diamonds weighing a total of 1.98 carats. Accompanied by GIA report no. 5192599331 dated January 24, 2019 stating that the diamond is Fancy Light Pink, Natural color, and VS2 clarity.
This too is accompanied by a GIA monograph.
100-carat Colorless Diamond
102.60 carat
(See our feature on the Winston Collection to see a “white” diamond)
WOW – A round brilliant cut diamond weighing 102.60 carats, accompanied by GIA report no. 1132139116 dated May 22, 2023 stating that the diamond is D color, VVS1 clarity, with Excellent cut, polish and symmetry – “Triple Ex.” Together with a letter from the GIA stating that the diamond has been determined to be Type lla.
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